Entomological Notes. 331 



The Fiery Ground Beetle — Calosoma calidum, Fig. 23, is a 

 black beetle about an inch ia length, and has three rows of cop- 

 per co'ored dots on each wing-case. In its grub or larval state it 



is especially beneficial in the destruction of in- 

 jurious insects, and from its boldness in attack, 

 its ferocity, has well earned the name of cut- 

 worm lion. The larva has a flattened form, is 

 black in color and has six legs placed near the 

 head; from the extremity of the abdomen are 

 two arms or projections, giving the appear- 

 ance of a crescent. The jaws are stout and 

 Fig. 23. Fiery hook shaped. They follow the cut worms into 

 Gkoukd Beetle, their hiding places, and sieze them when found, 

 though greatly inferior in size, and will soon conquer and devour 

 them. 



Of artificial remedies, where the ground planted is stocked with 

 worms, there is nothing of much avail but hunting the worms 

 and killing them. The application of poison may destroy those 

 that attack the plants or trees above ground, but where they cut 

 off the roots or stalks below the surface, no application will reach 

 them, and nothing will prevent their destructive work but a "still 

 hunt" and a personal attack. The climbing worms may be cap- 

 tured by shaking them off from the trees or shrubs at night onto 

 sheets spread beneath the trees ; or they may be kept from 

 ascending by encircling the trunk of the tree with stri{ s of tin of 

 some width, the lower edge being imbedded in the earth close to 

 the stem of the tree. 



Fall plowing has been found very beneficial in destroying the 

 larvw and many instances are given where the ground plowed in 

 the fall has escaped the ravages of the worm, while crops on 

 similar land nearby and even in the same field, plowed in the 

 spring, were nearly destroyed by them. The later in the season 

 the plowing is doue the better, for if the weather is sti'll warm the 

 larva will be able to prepare new winter quarters. Yery early 

 fall plowing may also be beneficial, when it destroys all vegeta- 

 tion, by checking the development of the young larva from want 

 of food. Clean culture is also a good preventive remedy for the 



